Thread Ideas?
Insider2
Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
A long-time member has posted a fictitious scenario for discussion and than confessed he was having a hard time thinking up a new thread. I guess something more serious and informative rather than fantasies.
We've had some really great threads on CU since I've joined. Anyone have any ideas?
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I hope to have an interesting thread once I get some grades back.
In the meantime I always enjoy a nice die variety thread, actually I've wanted to start one about identifying varieties with just picture of a small, but distinguishing feature or area. Once the variety is correctly identified, post a new one.
For example, an easy one would be:
ID ME:
Collector, occasional seller
Most of mine happen at night... then I wake up.
Here is one:
What will be the next major PM source for coins? (Other than gold, silver, platinum, palladium)
Fantasy threads are creative and generally not bannable. Getting into real stuff is where the problems begin.
I'll come up with something decent before Christmas.
1955 DDO cent. What did I win?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
"What would you suggest me doing on reaching 5000 post"?
Perhaps it is better to step close to the line, have back and forth discussions and learn something. One of the best discussion for me was the CSA half dollar and what it evolved into. I learned a lot about the perspective of the "Snowflakes."
How about: "Should I give so-and-so a "like?" 
I like fantasy threads too. Typical: If you have unlimited money would you buy?
Grading coins struck with extremely worn dies, and/or soft strikes.
This thread has a coin struck with a very worn obverse die, and a new reverse die, it appears to be uneven wear - but it is not
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1009537/awesome-auction-bid-win-1806-draped-bust-half-dollar/p1
When there is nothing much out there, silence (lack of posts) has its place.
The minutia through an electron microscope threads are impressive, but in numismatics, my interests diverge more to the hobby outside of the plastic. Characters are significantly more interesting than 150 year old uncirculated business strike coins.
Paradise's, idea of bringing steak and lobster rather than a roll of S-VDB Cents through a space and time wormhole was not only witty, but probably accurate.
YUM 2
I am contemplating of putting 1915 $10 Indian up for a contest ...... with a single requirement; $5 contribution to Joe's Paradise Lost Fund
I 'd like a serious thread on mint ideas. Also what the mint could have done differently in the past 20-30yrs or so. 1 idea that comes to mind is a 2009-S V.D.B wheat reverse. The mint just keeps on passing up chances...
Later, Paul.
@Insider2
Has this been done before? I would guess at least 1,000 times. But, I want to do a giveaway whereby everybody has to submit their grades and attributions for the coins I post (PM only) as to not give it away (discussion allowed). Then have a deadline for answers before PCGS actually posts the grades. Say, 10 coins and only completely correct answers count and in the case of ties (could be many) have either a sudden death playoff or have Mango draw a number. The prize could be the best of the 10 to keep it interesting.
I like your concept ...... it's new and refreshing
........ But, I want to do a giveaway whereby everybody has to submit their grades and attributions for the coins I post (PM only) as to not give it away (discussion allowed). Then have a deadline for answers before PCGS actually posts the grades. Say, 10 coins and only completely correct answers count and in the case of ties (could be many) have either a sudden death playoff or have Mango draw a number. The prize could be the best of the 10 to keep it interesting.
@Insider2
Has this been done before? I would guess at least 1,000 times. But, I want to do a giveaway whereby everybody has to submit their grades and attributions for the coins I post (PM only) as to not give it away (discussion allowed). Then have a deadline for answers before PCGS posts the grades. Say, 10 coins and only completely correct answers count and in the case of ties (could be many) have either a sudden death playoff or have Paradise's
@Paradisefound ..I'm surprised I would assume that has happened many of time. Sorry for double post the site doesn't much like bouncing around. The main problem I foresee is having to give up the '53 Franklin if it actually hits cameo or any that actually hit but, easy come easy go right. I feel like I owe a contribution anyway, I have learned a lot over the past few months that will surely lead me to the next
It's all good ...... double post is a normal re-occurance at times and I am glad you have learnt a lot over the past few months
Keep up with good good post along with your study
A "should I clean my coins?" thread would be perfect.
"Many people think that cleaning coins will increase their value. After all, shiny and clean coins are beautiful. When the coin leaves the mint after just being struck, it has a shine or luster. The original mint luster is gradually destroyed as a coin circulates through commerce. Additionally, cleaning a coin will also remove the luster thereby destroying the original surface characteristics. Some of the most common questions asked by new coin collectors are "How do I restore the shine to my coins?" and "How can I clean my coins to make them shiny again?"
The shine that new coins have is technically called mint luster by numismatists. When the coin dies come into contact with the planchet under extreme pressure during the striking process, this creates the mint luster on the surface of the coin. This process causes changes to the metal of the planchet at the molecular level. The metal of the planchet is forced, by the great striking pressure, to flow into the coin dies and also against the flat surfaces of the dies and against the edges of the collar, which produce the reeded edge we see on certain coins like the dimes or quarter.
A Shiny, Never Cleaned Coin Can Do Cartwheels!
As a result of the metal flow into the recesses of the coin die at extremely high pressure, a unique event occurs. A by-product of the coin manufacturing process is that the coin will acquire a beautiful and lustrous shine. The precise cause of the coin's shiny surface, or mint luster, is what we call flow lines. Flow lines are microscopic patterns in the metal where the molecules have been forced to line up in certain ways. These flow lines are easier to see on larger coins than on smaller ones.
Morgan Dollars were nicknamed cartwheels when they first came out, partly because the flow lines caused the appearance of a turning windmill when the coin was tilted at different angles to a light. The other reason Morgans were called cartwheels was a derogatory term for their large size and heaviness. Morgan Dollars were quite unpopular when they first came out. In fact, people disliked them so much that you could still get them in mint condition with dates in the 1800s right from banks until the early 1960s! The story of the history of the Morgan silver dollar is truly fascinating and at times incredible!
To see the amazing cartwheel effect, take any newly minted coin which is uncirculated (you probably have a few in your pocket change right now) and tilt the coin to the light, watching the band of the "cartwheel" to rotate around. It is much easier to see this effect on the obverse (head's side of the coin) than the reverse side because there is usually more flat space, called the field, on the side with the portrait. Also, the larger the coin, the easier it is to see the cartwheel effect, and the better it rotates.
Why Is Not Cleaning Your Coin so Important?
It is important to understand how the minting process creates the cartwheel effect, and how you can see it for yourself because the cartwheel effect gives us a good indication of the surface condition of the coin. Specifically, whether someone has clean the coin or not.
The state of preservation of the surface of the coin has become a critically important element in judging the value of the coin. Clean coins have a significantly reduced value. If a silver coin bears a common date in the twentieth century (1900 to 1964) and has been cleaned, most dealers will weigh them on a scale and pay you a small premium over bullion value. If you send common-date cleaned coin from the twentieth century to a top-tier grading service, it will probably come back to you in a "genuine holder" without a grade, and you will have wasted your money trying to get it slabbed.
It is important to remember that cleaning coins is a definite way to destroy the surface of a coin, along with a good portion of the coin's value. In all fairness, grading services do make occasional exceptions regarding the cleaning rule, especially for coins that are so rare that people are glad to acquire one despite the damaged surface. On coins of the nineteenth century and earlier (dates in the 1800s and before,) the grading services are also more lenient about cleaned coins, but only if the coin was cleaned many, many years ago.
If I clean my dirty and ugly coins, how can this possibly hurt them?
Once again, we're back to our cartwheels, which is our demonstration of the state of preservation of the surface of the coin. For example, silver coins will tone, or tarnish, as a result of the silver molecules interacting with elements in the environment. As you will see with a tarnished silver coin, you have lost your cartwheel effect, and the surface of the coin itself will have suffered some damage.
However, despite these changes, the surface of your coin is usually still intact, which you can easily verify under magnification. The coin hasn't yet lost much value, because the surface is still intact, the way it left the mint. In fact, some toning is considered to be very beautiful, and an enhancement to the value of the coin!
But one thing is nearly certain, if you clean a coin to remove tarnish or toning, you will damage the surface of the coin. Some methods of cleaning metal use an acid "dip" for cleaning. This is a process where you dip the coin in a mildly acidic solution for a brief time and then wash it off. This method is one of the least damaging since it usually just strips a layer or two off the surface of the coin. Unfortunately, this includes the fragile flow lines which give the cartwheel effect. Dipping also leaves the surface dull and ugly.
Another good way to damage the surface of your coin is to use an abrasive cleaner. These come with names like Wright's Silver Polish and consist of a paste or cream. You rub the product into the coin's surface until you have removed all the toning. Unfortunately, this process will also remove the flow lines, the cartwheel effect, a great number of molecular layers of the coin's surface itself, and a good portion of the coin's value.
The bottom line is that you should almost never clean your coins. About the only time I can think of that it might be appropriate to consider cleaning a coin would be if you dug up a rare U.S. 1804 silver dollar with the help of a metal detector! Then I think, because of the coin's extremely high value and rarity, it might be worth sending it off to someone like the Numismatic Conservation Service to have it professionally cleaned."
@Insider2
As a preface, thanks for your 15 or so threads on surface issues and how they are caused. Very informative and helpful for all levels of collectors. I recall an old series of threads on Franklins (by date/mm) that a member posted Frank (I think?) was great.
Using that model going forward, here are a few areas of interest that I think all can benefit from:
Cleaning - how to spot it and what it looks like, can include polishing, whizzing, etc.
Errors - the different types and how they are made - values - can include things like Cherrypickers varieties, VAMs etc.
Dies - how they are made and how they changed over the years
Historical threads on commems - old and new - LeeG was doing some of these before he got bammed
Photography - always a good area to learn
I will likely think of other topics.
I also know that much of this information is published in books. Problem is, few of us can afford to buy all those books (I buy only the ones in my specific area of interest at the time). Nor do we have time to read them all.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
How to grade upper MS coins. Silver, copper and clad.
Declining mid-grade coin market, do's and don't for the future. Some say for collector's to ignore the shortterm market and only worry about the short term for resellers. I say we all should be concerned about the present and future coin market.
What to do toward the end of your collecting life with all the partial or low quality finished coin sets. I have given so many away to youngsters and have only 5% or less to appear to be interested. Hard to get yn's interested. We need more done on the local level as is being done somewhat by the national level in order to steer the young ones toward this hobby.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I find it interesting that there would be a thread looking for thread ideas. This forum has survived for 20 years (That I know of) with no shortage of threads... True, some ideas are repeatedly discussed (cleaning, tarnish, grades)... However, each day some different things are posted...some of interest, some not. Certainly threads on coin history and varieties are always welcome...as are coin rarities and grade results. I just enjoy reading coin threads... Cheers, RickO
Me too! The variety of discussions are nice. I find myself drawn to US, Q&A, World and of course, detecting. And a little bit of paper currency. Peace Roy
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Maybe another Burrito thread?
My YouTube Channel
I would be curious what traction a "post your best counterfeit" thread would get...
part of the problem is a lingering "fear" as a result of the past few months and the new Sheriff. it is no longer safe to speak the uncomfortable TRUTH which, believe it or not, gave the Life to this place which seems to be lacking lately. the Forum is no longer as interesting as it used to be.
@burfle23 said: I would be curious what traction a "post your best counterfeit" thread would get...
You would probably win!
I don't know, I'm new here. One member takes time to post a dozen graded coins and we all get to guess their grade.
Welcome back Keets! Your take on how things are around here is refreshingly honest and wholesome! I am glad you changed your mind and decided to post again. You were sorely missed!
We could talk about the new presidential commens. But, that could lead to more red avatars. You have to wonder though, will there be so many made that they will never be rare or no matter how many they make they will always hold their value.
A thread on where the omega saints originated could be interesting.
He who knows he has enough is rich.
How about a thread on the How's, Why's and, Wherefor's of the wood toning in coins Have seen it , but never
understood it. Paradisefound's posting is interesting.
After so many years, it's tough to think of something that's worthy of others time.
I think the 'wood grain' is actually cause by planchet flaw .... I believe
Paradisefound Posts: I think the 'wood grain' is actually cause by planchet flaw .... I believe
My guess is a poor alloy mix perhaps aggravated by the annealing process. Don't know.
You are correct .... the anomaly of metal mixture cause the so called 'woodgrain'
Agree with both. Planchet flaw caused by improper allow mix, IMHO.
I would be interested in reading about acetone toning copper.
Acetone shouldn't react with Cu, and I have only seen 1 scientific paper (The SUNY Stony Brook paper) that shows acetic acid formation under VERY Specific conditions that wouldn't occur during hobby use. Yet, a number of experienced and knowledgeable numismatists have stated that they have experienced copper toning after an acetone dip. Normally, I would chalk it up to incomplete organic removal, improper rinsing, or not understanding that the covered/hidden surfaces may look different, but some of these stories come from credible numismatists, not newbies.
Anybody know of any additional literature on acetone/copper interactions?
Now THAT was a good one.
Isn't that the one that started as a "good bye" from a disgusted member? (If not, then that one was anther good one).
Must have been another one, but the Burrito thread disappeared!
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I think a good thread is a thread asking for thread ideas which will field a lot of ideas about ideas for threads.
That's the idea, anyway.
Not to my knowledge. GTG's are fun but IMO, the bast are for coins that are raw, then sent in to be graded so no one can cheat! Example: I can give 10 AU-58 Liberty $20 coins (of my picking) to as many professionals as you wish and NOT ONE OF THEM would grade all of the AU-58, some would get 58+, some 58, and the rest an MS grade - some as high as 65!
This is a great topic. I think you should start a new discussion and use this post as the opening.
A fun and humorous thread might be something along the lines of; "What coin cleaning techniques did you use when you were a VERY young collector?" Think. ...Brillo pads, Comet cleanser, muriatic acid on steel pennies, etc. Worked for me. And don't forget liquid mercury, the best dip method for artificial toning ever invented...... Ah, those were the days. Little boys playing with toxic chemicals in the classroom. And the adults didn't give it a thought. Because it was FUN!
Pencil erasers and baking soda paste also worked well to shine up coins.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
ok guys,
is there a copper dip?
similar to the silver dip?
if so, what are the results?
A "Master" Research/Help Wanted thread would be nice to keep track of requests.
We have had threads in the past something like:
Looking for other counterfeit images of xxx
Looking to make a census of coin xyz
Researching 1938 Jefferson reverses
Post your type-2 xyz for an article
Those types of things. At times, when I get the coins out, I forget what folks wanted pictures of, or finding the post can be hard at times.
Just something quick and readable in the master post like:
User xyz is looking for images or information on the abc medal
link to thread
User xyz is requesting any images, history, or knowledge of the counterfeit Jefferson nickels from NY in 19xx
link to thread
etc
"You Suck Award" - February, 2015
Discoverer of 1919 Mercury Dime DDO - FS-101
There is that famous quote:
You can always just "borrow" topics from other coin forums
That is an Awesome coin! It looks like they are sailing through storm.
Enough bandwidth is taken up with threads that were bad ideas to begin with, dont you think ?
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5